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Children's health

Boys and anorexia

11 replies

AussieLou · 06/10/2008 12:19

Im the nanny for a 14yo boy and I have noticed that he is getting quite thin. All the teenage boys I have ever nannied for (or been related too) have been fridge hoovers who eat 24/7 and never thin out. I have noticed him not eating on occasion but he has always had an excuse for.I was wondering whether it is a boy thing? Being an ex bulimic I am getting concerned. Any advice from mums with teenage boys??

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Anna8888 · 06/10/2008 12:22

Have you spoken to the boy's mother about this? I think you should raise your concerns with her and ask whether she would like you to make an appointment for him at the GPs.

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AussieLou · 06/10/2008 12:32

Am going to speak to her tonight when whe gets home. Have mentioned that he is getting very slim and looks very tired. Have not seen her to mention anything and do not want to do it by email. I just wanted to know whether anyones boys had had a reverse growth spurt. My sister did so that is why I was curious.

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slim22 · 06/10/2008 12:36

yes do speak to the mum.
How is he otherwise? sociable or sulky type?

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AussieLou · 06/10/2008 12:43

Very sociable. Is alwys at friends places.
He has started weight lifting also (stole my broom handle to make improvised weights).
It's the losing weight that has concerned me most.

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slim22 · 06/10/2008 12:45

he's obviously quite body conscious.
Worth keeping an eye on it but maybe not making such a big deal of it so as not to create a problem where there might actually not be one?

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AussieLou · 06/10/2008 13:09

That was my opinion.
I just wanted to find out what others have done in this situation. I was just going to quietly monitor it as its not that bad at the moment and mention it to his go when he visits in a fortnight.

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AMumInScotland · 06/10/2008 13:16

They don't tend to get thinner, although sometimes if they get a lot taller they can look thinner.

TBH I'd also have concerns about the weghtlifting - as I understand it, anorexia in boys can often show up as excessive exercising as well as under-eating, and he shouldn't really be doing any serious weights until 16.

My DS (14) has joined the gym, but they don't allow them to use the weight-training equipment at that age, only the cardio-vascular machines.

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AussieLou · 06/10/2008 14:09

Thanks MuminScotland
I have had no experience with anorexia in boys but plenty in girls and know that it present differntly. I will check his height to see if he has grown. Maybe I am panicking a bit but am concerned.

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AussieLou · 07/10/2008 09:55

Well all is good. Turns out the medication he is on causes weight loss and fatigue.
Would have been nice to know (all labelling etc in another language) but at least all it well and I do not have to worry. Thank you everyone for your advice.

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AMumInScotland · 07/10/2008 10:34

Glad to hear there's a simple explanation, though poor lad having to have such strong medication